Easily the best book to date on understanding the many branches of Christianity! I read the first edition of Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy when it came out and it quickly became one of my favorite books, so when I got my hands on this new edition I was very excited to dive in. It didn't disappoint at all. It is nearly two times larger than the first, and chock full of information to help understand the vast religious landscape of the world. As an Orthodox Christian this book makes it very easy to understand how my faith compares and contrasts to other branches of the Christian faith, as well as various non-Christian religions. Father Andrew writes in a very easy to comprehend style, yet his presentation of each topic is thorough. Having this book on hand is a wonderful way to connect with people from various faith backgrounds, helping to bring understanding in a clear and respectful way. I would recommend this book not only to Orthodox Christians, but to anyone with a Christian background who is seeking to gain a better understanding of the many Christian groups. An easy 5 stars for this book!

Wonderful, I enjoyed it very much. A good read for those new to Orthodoxy or those interested or exploring Orthodoxy. Good glossary. Very helpful.

Really like this version of the Psalter. Translation is comfortable for one who speaks American english. My wife and I will read the complete psalter aloud together twice during Lent and once through during the Nativity fast. This version seems to flow more smoothly than some others especially when reading aloud. Also like that it is translated by Orthodox Christian Monks.

Perhaps the last time I thought about hell was reading Peter Hitchens' book, The Rage against God, in which he tells of sight-seeing in Burgundy, France, and stumbling, to his annoyance upon Rogier van der Weyden's polyptych, The Last Judgment, in the ancient hospital listed in his Green Michelin guidebook. 'In search of the fine food and wines' of the region, instead, he reported that, 'a sudden, strong sense of religion being a thing of the present day, not imprisoned under thick layers of time ' chastened him, the effect not having worn off in three decades' (p.103-4). If, as the universalists and conditionalists mentioned in Lawrence Farley's book are correct, Hitchens need not have worried and might have indeed gone on his merry way, eating and drinking his way through France, rather than seeing that 'these naked figures fleeing the pit of hell 'were me and the people I knew' (103

Farley's new book, Unquenchable Fire: The Traditional Christian Teaching about Hell, sets out thoroughly for the layperson, the historic view. Beginning with Christ's words in the gospels, moving on to those of the apostles, and to the teachings of 26 Church Fathers as well as the witness of church culture over the centuries, Farley then makes the case for the morality of the traditional view. He concedes, with C.S. Lewis that there is no way to make the position palatable but after examining five objections to those who find it immoral, he concludes that part of our problem today is that we are more 'perplexed' by the problem of evil than horrified by it, and that we have a superficial view of ourselves and others, epitomized in 'I'm OK, you're OK.'

On the positive side, Farley shows how taking the prospect of unending torment seriously overturns the modern preoccupation with whether or not life has meaning, answering in the affirmative and transforming life into an adventure. In his words, 'we live our life on the razor's edge between two eternal alternatives: our choices matter and struggle is crucial' (237). As Orwell noted in his 1940 review of Hitler's Mein Kampf, 'nearly all western thought since the last war, certainly all 'progressive' thought, has assumed tacitly that human beings desire nothing beyond ease, security and avoidance of pain.' But this is not so. What healthy young person does not crave high challenge and the need for sacrifice? Not only is the traditional view of judgment and hell that Farley outlines so well consistent with the teaching of the Church over centuries, but it also affirms the deepest needs of our human nature.

Jesus said the scriptures reveal him. Reardon uses sound exegesis to bring out Jesus in the Psalms. I am happy to purchase more of his books.

This is a wonderful Monday-Friday devotional to keep your mind on Christ during the week between Church Services The devotional are short but meaningful with rich insight. Highly recommended.

The author is speaking from experience, so it's very easy to connect and believe. Will definitely read more books for him.

It's (the book) all crumpled and beaten up because it's with me where ever I go. I may need a new one soon. The daily readings stay with me each day. Great book.

This is an outstanding work on Christian prayer. It is an insightful revision of a conservative nature of the
great classic Spiritual Combat. I cannot recommend it too much.

Masterfully done! Very informative, with a steady, non-judgmental tone. Thank you, Fr. Andrew, for this excellent revision and expansion of an already excellent book!

I recommend this book for all who love Jesus and want to know more about the sacraments and the liturgy. It was nice to find out that all people have "fractured minds", and not just me, and what we can do about it. Jesus Prayer really helps!

I recommend this book for all who love Jesus and want to know more about the sacraments and the liturgy. It was nice to find out that all people have "fractured minds", and not just me, and what we can do about it. Jesus Prayer really helps!

I read the first half in one night. Her writing style is lyrical and enchanting. I have always felt like I am on the outside of a dirty glass, peering into the windows of different religions but never really understanding or feeling the need to belong exclusively to one. I am a little jealous of her of spirituality and wish I had felt such a strong pull towards God at a young age. I found this book while searching for information on Eastern Orthodoxy. I enjoyed reading this authors journey through life and religion - and maybe I'll tell my own meandering story someday :)

Excellent read and great scholrship

Life giving. Beat spiritual writing I've come across in recent times.

Like a punch in the gut. Have not completed the book yet, but incredibly eye-opening as an evangelical Christian.

One of the best books on Orthodoxy I've read I a long time. Great for both practicing Orthodox and for those wanting to explore this ancient faith. It's easy to read and documents more than just one man's journey to Orthodoxy, but also gives great information on early Church history. Highly recommend.

Fr. David provides a needed alternative Christian foundation for what we tend to call "self esteem." My worth, as a person, depends on my awareness of God's evaluation of me, His love for me. This is very helpful because contemporary notions of self esteem have no theological underpinnings and the Orthodox spiritual tradition has a dim view of "self esteem" (self centeredness, self indulgence). Simple. Practical.

A truly amazing book by an amazing young man. Integrating faith and art is not a new concept but the author treats his subject with a refreshing perspective and certain "jabs" of light and meaning that could only come through deep and prayerful practice. One of Jonathan's songs is titled "I See God in You" --God indeed shines through the author and his work. This book joyfully affirms collaboration with the Holy Spirit and the great truth of Incarnational Reality--God dwelling with and within His people. I look forward to reading other works from this author.

I picked this book up at my Church book store and it was a great read!